Foot Observations: The core of Inov-8

This week in class I started our unit on anatomical drawings. Above are some quick sketches I did of the foot, particularly in the running motion. Read More about the amazing foot. Read More...

The masses of the foot: There are three major masses in the foot: the heel platform; the arch; and the front platform, the sole, which is divided in half to form the front and middle soles of the foot. The heel and middle sole provide a pedestal base for the column of the figure, while the arch acts as a spring device to absorb pressure shock to the body. The front sole of the toes acts as a gripping and pushing device in walking and running.

The top of the foot is quite hard and bony, with the arch distinctly extruded from the base. The outer form on the sole of the foot contacts the ground surface along the entire length from heel to toes. The inner foot touches the surface mainly at the toe and heel, with the instep arch off the ground. Thus, with the feet together, an elliptical pediment is formed, with a hollow center area to support the body column.

The sole of the foot, padded and cushioned, consists of four generalized masses: the calcaneum, or heel; the outer ridge of padded muscle, the abductors, from heel to the little toe; the large, cushioned mass of lumbricals and short flexors grouped behind the four toes; and the large, padded bulge behind the hallux, or big toe. The instep is high and cushioned, and under its surface, the long abductor group spans the length of the foot from the big toe to the heel. Yes, the amazing foot!